Key Takeaways
- Gutters play a critical role in protecting your home from water damage by moving rainwater away, but debris can reduce their effectiveness.
- Installing gutter guards is necessary to deal with debris and keep your gutters functioning.
- LeafFilter is a reliable and durable gutter guard option that provides professional installation and maintenance services.
As a homeowner, you know gutters play a critical role in protecting your house against water damage. They move the rainwater away, which keeps your home from structural wear caused by an overflow of rain. However, the effectiveness of gutters can sometimes be reduced by debris, which leads to clogging, rot, and mold growth. That's why cleaning your gutters regularly is necessary.
Unfortunately, you might be unable to clean the gutters when needed. In such a case, installing gutter guards is the only way to deal with debris and keep your gutters functioning. Gutter guards are effective in blocking debris from entering your gutters. Nevertheless, choosing the best gutter guards from the numerous available in the market can be a challenge. Familiarizing yourself with gutter guards' pros and cons will help you make a worthy investment.
LeafFilter: A Reliable Solution to Clogged Gutters
Keep your gutters clean with leaf gutter guards
LeafFilter is a gutter protection system designed to block leaves and other debris from entering your gutters. A leaf guard provides the necessary filter that sieves all debris and unnecessary clogging materials while allowing water to flow in the gutter without issues. A LeafFilter is an effective gutter guard because it prevents clogging, helping your gutter system work more efficiently.
Besides getting a reliable leaf guard, LeafFilter ensures you get access to professional gutter guard installers who will provide the leaf filter that aligns with your gutters for a long-lasting solution. Other benefits of installing a Leaf Guard include:
- It is one of the most durable gutter guards on the market.
- It is made using stainless steel, which prevents rusting.
- Access to professional maintenance and repair services.
- Leaf gutter guards come with a transferable lifetime warranty.
Check out this month's 20% off promo at LeafFilter and their year-round, 10% savings for Seniors and Military.
The Different Types of Gutter Guards
Learn the five categories of gutter guards for a clean gutter
There are five primary categories of guards available in the market: brush, foam, mesh, perforated, and surface tension or reverse curve. These different types of guards are effective in their roles. Nevertheless, it's essential to highlight that not all guards work with the existing gutter systems.
Learning how they work, the installation process, and their pros and cons will help you choose a gutter guard that meets your needs.
Brushes
Brush guards are made of heavy bristles and are placed within the gutters to block accumulations of larger debris. Water and small debris can pass freely through them, while large debris blows away or is removed by hand if accumulation is seen. You can easily install brush guards by simply measuring, cutting, and fitting the correct lengths directly in the gutter.
It is essential to know that brush guards are not necessarily a long-term solution (they can serve for five years) as they will wear out with time. However, you can increase their life expectancy by cleaning them once or twice per year.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Gutter brush guards are a fast and easy gutter protection solution.
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Debris may become stuck on the brush over time. |
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They are easy to install. |
It allows small debris to pass. |
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Brush gutter guards provide an excellent water passage.
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Brush gutter guards are not a long-term solution. |
Brush guards help keep snow from compacting into the gutters, thereby keeping water flowing in winter.
Foam
The small opening of the porous foam polyurethane blocks allows water to flow freely through it and along the gutter. Debris is kept out of the gutter and collected along the top to blow away once dried or for easy removal when a build-up occurs. Strips of foam are easy to set into the gutter without much effort.
Notably, the porous foam polyurethane blocks are temporary solutions that may not work well in winter because they freeze and expand, preventing the seamless flow of water in the gutters. Over time, they may dry out and become brittle, making them a good solution for around two to three years.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Foam guards enhance home aesthetics. |
This gutter guard can promote moss growth. |
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This guard does not void the roof warranty. |
May freeze in cold weather and disrupt water flow. |
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You can easily install a foam gutter guard. |
Shingle granules may collect at the bottom of the gutter. |
The porous foam polyurethane blocks are often considered to be one of the best gutter guards for pine needles.
Perforated
Perforated guards are typically a sheet of metal or PVC with diamond or square-shaped perforations that fit under the shingles and cover the gutter. As water and debris flow down the roof, water can pass to the gutter, while leaves, pine needles, and other debris are caught along the top to blow away when dry. You can easily install perforated guards by sliding them under the shingles without lifting and creating damage.
Perforated guards are designed to last for many years, especially when professionally maintained. They are made out of weather-friendly materials to last for an extended period. Keep your perforated guards clean for a long-lasting experience.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Perforated gutter guards are popular and easy to find. |
These guards require regular cleaning in heavy debris areas. |
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You can easily install perforated guards |
Using a perforated gutter guard will void your roof warranty. |
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Perforated guards are affordable. |
PVC perforated guards are not durable. |
Consider aluminum perforated gutter guards because they are long-lasting and can serve you for more than 20 years. PVC guards become brittle with time and may need replacing after 10 years.
Reverse-curve (also known as surface tension gutter guards)
Tension gutter guards are designed to help keep gutters relatively debris-free. The metal curved cover fits under your shingles and then curves over and downwards over the gutter. Water follows this curve to run through the gutter, while leaves and debris flow straight off the edge. The design deflects more large debris than other gutter guards while preventing critters from entering the gutter.
Installing tension gutter guards is complex and can only be done by an authorized professional. With professional installation, this type of gutter guard can last for at least five years, after which it is replaced. However, it is necessary to ensure that the guards get a regular cleaning (once or twice every year) to increase their lifespan.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Best gutter guard for large debris. |
Large volumes of water may not make it into the gutter. |
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They are designed to blend with the roofline. |
It can be difficult to access the inside of the gutter when needed. |
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Requires less maintenance than other guards. |
Tension gutter guards may void your roof warranty. |
Mesh Screens
Mesh screens are made of superfine metal mesh guards that keep debris from running into the gutter and prevent shingle granule runoff from entering the gutter as well. They are designed to fit over the gutter while providing easy access to clean the tops if accumulation occurs. Mesh guards are one of the best gutter guard styles for blocking tiny particles.
Typically, mesh screens need to be professionally installed. They must be appropriately set over your gutter to avoid gaps, bending, and a loose fit. They are designed to last a lifetime with proper cleaning and maintenance but can quickly erode and rust when not cared for properly. A quick cleaning once or twice a year can extend their life span. You can replace mesh screens after every five years, especially when they show signs of wear and tear.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Mesh screens are best for small and fine debris. |
The small mesh may allow a large amount of water to overshoot the gutter. |
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It can last longer when properly maintained. |
Using mesh screen guards may void your roof warranty. |
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A mesh screen is a very secure gutter guard. |
Sludge tends to accumulate with time. |
You can get a micro-mesh gutter guard that is designed to block fine and small debris from entering your gutter.
Buying Guide Considerations
Things to look for when buying gutter guards
Now that you know the different types of gutter guards, it's time to pick your option and keep your gutters clean. However, there are a few things you need to check before making your final decision.
Location of Your House
The location of your house determines the types of debris that will be falling into your gutters. For example, houses close to trees and forested neighborhoods will deal with a larger number of leaves than those in open areas. Also, pay attention to other factors that can lead to more debris, such as flower beds and other vegetation.
Climatic Conditions
When buying gutter guards, it's essential to first understand the climatic conditions of your location. For example, it is necessary to evaluate the amount of rainfall, year-round moisture content, wind patterns, and snow conditions. With such information, you can easily choose gutter guards that can handle anything your climate brings.
Length to be Laid
It is advisable to check the length of your gutters. It will help you select a gutter guard that can fit perfectly without adding too much to your costs. If you are on a budget, it's essential to consider brush gutter guards because they are affordable.
Vertical Rise of Your House
Gutter guards require much less maintenance if you have a single-story house. This is due to the extra length each story of your home may add to your gutter system's overall size. But, they will still require some annual care, regardless of whether you have a one-, two-, or three-story house. Consider a gutter guard that is easier to maintain when you have a multiple-story building.
Installation Options
If you are a DIY person, you may want to look at those options that are easy to install on your own. Just remember they are not often as long-lasting as those that are professionally installed. But, that is not always the case. Many guards are built specifically with easy installation in mind and hiring a professional is not necessary.
Gutter Guards vs. Leaf-Guards
If you are having trouble making your mind up about gutter guards at this point, perhaps you would do better researching and investing in Leaf Guards instead. Leaf-Guards are an all-original gutter guard type that features an innovative curved gutter cover hood design. Leaf Guards allow water to flow freely but sheds and deflects a higher rate of debris than most gutter guards. These gutter covers are also thought to reduce annual maintenance of your gutter system as well.
Roof Shingle Warranty
One last consideration that is extremely important to consider is whether the gutter guard you will install requires anchoring underneath the bottom edge of the shingles. If so, this will likely void your current roof warranty and is something you should pay extra attention to.
That said, if the shingles on your roof are over 25 years old, their warranty may have expired. Also, if your home is equipped with premium dimensional shingles, you should avoid certain types of gutter guards because your shingles probably have a lifetime warranty.
Install Your Gutter Guards Today
Installing gutter guards is not a fancy home improvement undertaking but a necessity that keeps your gutters clean. Gutter screens keep debris away from your gutters while maintaining an efficient water flow. This comes in handy, especially when preserving the structural integrity of your house. However, with multiple options available on the market, you need to evaluate the pros and cons of each guard before selecting a cover that meets your needs.
Now that you know the best gutter guards in the market, share your newfound information with your neighbors and help them keep their rain gutters clean.